Irish Racing (HRI) : Lost with Customer Service?

Irish racing, long celebrated for its world-class horses and thrilling competition, is finally stepping into the modern era with the introduction of in-race sectional timing in 2024. Lightweight GPS trackers, tucked neatly into saddlecloths, are set to provide live data on race dynamics, including a race clock, the leader’s speed, time per furlong, and distance to the finish. Operated by Coursetrack, this system promises a new level of insight for fans, punters, and participants alike.

It’s a significant step forward, but if you’re a UK stakeholder trying to access this treasure trove of data, good luck. Despite the fanfare around the rollout, Irish racing’s governing bodies appear to have little interest in engaging with those asking how this data might be shared across borders. Instead, UK fans might be stuck with Racing TV’s pathetic PDF offering, a static and outdated approach that makes it feel like you’re gambling in 2003.

A Long-Awaited Leap Forward

The rollout of Coursetrack’s timing system across Irish racecourses is undeniably exciting. Already in use at 35 British courses, with live broadcasts on ITV, Virgin Media, and Racing TV, the system brings cutting-edge data straight to viewers and punters.

“This is vital for race fans, punters, and participants,” said Paul Hensey, CEO of the Association of Irish Racecourses, emphasising the reliability and accuracy of Coursetrack’s system. Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, echoed the sentiment, calling the move a “key element” in ensuring information-rich racing for those betting on Irish tracks.

The system eliminates the need for cumbersome antenna installations, with data relayed directly from lightweight trackers to Racing TV’s London studios. For fans and punters, it’s a game-changer: live, detailed insights that make races more engaging and betting decisions more informed. Ask when will they roll out to various other providers in the UK and silence, repeated requests silence. The HRI seem to have cornered the rudeness market. They make the BHA look like leaders in customer service.

Silence on Accessibility

But for all the excitement, there’s a glaring omission: how accessible will this data be to UK audiences and platforms? Twice you reached out to the HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) to ask about sectional timing access for UK sites, and twice you were met with silence. Not even a courtesy reply to say, “We’re working on it.”

This leaves UK fans with Racing TV’s feeble PDF offering—an embarrassingly static workaround that barely scratches the surface of what sectional timing can achieve. In an age of live, interactive data streams, a PDF feels like the equivalent of sending carrier pigeons to deliver race results.

The HRI Gloss

The HRI prides itself on safeguarding the reputation of Irish racing through accountability, transparency, and probity. With a governance model that includes independent directors and an Audit and Risk Committee, it’s keen to project an image of modernity and professionalism.

Yet, the silence over sectional timing data for UK platforms undermines this image. Transparency isn’t just about audits and gender ratios—it’s about ensuring that stakeholders, whether in Ireland or abroad, have access to the information that makes the sport thrive.

Sectional Timing: Racing’s Digital Revolution

Sectional timing isn’t a gimmick; it’s a transformative tool. By tracking horses’ speeds, timings, and positional data, it provides punters and fans with a level of insight that makes races more engaging and betting more informed.

The data also enhances the sport’s competitiveness. Trainers can fine-tune strategies, broadcasters can offer richer commentary, and analysts can dive deeper into what separates the winners from the also-rans. For Irish racing, embracing this technology isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a necessity to remain competitive in an increasingly data-driven world.

Why the Silence Matters

Given the importance of sectional timing, the HRI’s silence on accessibility for UK platforms is both baffling and troubling. Fans, punters, and analysts outside Ireland are eager for this data, and yet the governing bodies seem content to keep them in the dark.

This isn’t just bad customer service—it’s a missed opportunity. By engaging with UK stakeholders, Irish racing could expand its audience, increase betting interest, and strengthen its global reputation. Instead, the lack of communication risks alienating the very people who help sustain the sport.

And until the HRI clarifies its plans, UK audiences will continue to squint at Racing TV’s PDFs, desperately trying to piece together insights that should be available live and in real-time. It’s a woeful experience for modern racing fans.

Moving Forward or Falling Behind?

Irish racing is undeniably taking a step in the right direction with Coursetrack’s rollout. The system’s adoption at tracks like Dundalk, Fairyhouse, and Leopardstown is a promising start, and as it expands, it will undoubtedly enhance the experience for fans and participants.

But for this progress to truly benefit the sport, the governing bodies must match their technological strides with a commitment to openness and engagement. Silence is no longer an option in a world where data and transparency are king.

Horse Racing Ireland need to answer the question: will sectional timing data be accessible beyond Ireland, and if so, when? Because until they do, Irish racing risks being seen as a sport stuck in the stalls—leaving its UK fans clutching outdated PDFs while the rest of the racing world gallops ahead.